The Cruze hatch will join the sedan in local showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2011. It is expected to feature the same powertrains as the Series II sedan, including the new 103kW/200Nm 1.4 iTi turbocharged petrol engine and the upgraded 120kW/360Nm 2.0-litre diesel.

Designed at GM Holden’s Victorian design studio in Port Melbourne (which is one of only three General Motors facilities in the world with the ability to design and build prototype concept vehicles), Holden design director, Tony Stolfo, said the highly global nature of the Cruze hatch project made it a particularly satisfying one to be involved in.

“In designing the new five-door hatch we wanted to retain the sporty ‘Cruze’ proportions and bring the same Holden appearance to the hatch that we developed for the new locally-built Series II Cruze sedan,” Mr Stolfo said.“Holden is very proud of the global design work it does for other brands and countries around the GM world – but it’s especially gratifying to work on a new vehicle designed and built in Australia.”

Holden is yet to reveal many of the specifics of the Cruze hatch, although we know it will have a 60:40 split-fold rear seat and a 400-litre boot.

Note:CarAdvice is at the launch of the 2011 Holden Cruze Series II sedan today. Stay tuned for a full drive review of the new range.